Geography
Secrets of the world - unlocked
Head of Department: Mrs K Wilson
Geography is challenging, motivating, topical and engaging. In our diverse society students need, more than ever before, to understand other people and cultures. In Geography, our aim is that every pupil will have secure place and locational knowledge, and be able to explain and describe how human and physical processes interact to influence landscapes, environments and climate.
We encourage students to ‘think like a geographer’, being curious and asking questions, and using geographical skills along with fieldwork to find answers to those questions. We believe that geographical knowledge, concepts and skills are essential components of a broad and balanced curriculum - and makes a major contribution to students’ physical, intellectual, social and emotional development.
We, in the Geography Department, aim to create young people who are global citizens with a strong sense of their place in the world and in their local communities. We aim to give them the capabilities to view the world from different perspectives, not just their own, and to be able to make connections between places and events.
We hope Gumley House geographers leave us with an understanding and appreciation for the environment whilst instilling a sense of awe and wonder for planet Earth.
CURRICULUM DOCUMENTS (Geography)
Our Geography curriculum enables students to develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas. Geographical Enquiry is a key aspect of our curriculum, which enables students to develop an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills, and prepare them well for future learning or employment.
Our students will have the skills to deal with and understand the rapidly changing world in which they will be living. Geography is unique as a subject in that it encourages students to consider both arts and science elements. It encourages a multi-disciplinary, synoptic approach to any consideration and decision. It encourages students to develop a wider vocabulary as well as be able to analyse new information in a wide variety of formats: social media, text, graphics, graphs, diagrams, images, spoken word, interviews and videos.
Our students will be able to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to view, analyse and interpret places and data.
Our curriculum shows clear progression in skills and knowledge. Our curriculum fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum, and covers: location and place; physical geography; human geography; geographical skills and fieldwork. Well-structured lessons and assessment tasks enable our students to develop and build upon skills throughout the key stages.
Real world learning is an integral part of our Geography curriculum. Fieldwork is part of each key stage, from local area environmental investigations, to evaluating the success of coastal defences at GCSE level, through to A Level Independent Investigations. These first-hand experiences enhance our students' understanding of the world outside their locality.
Geography in Year 7
Subject Topics Covered:
Geography at Key Stage 3 is studied through the theme of ‘Sustainability’. Students look at what is meant by the term and how it links to all areas of Geography. In Year 7 topics will include:
- Topic 1- This is Geography
- Topic 2- OS Map Skills
- Topic 3- Climate, Environment and People
- Topic 4- Emerging economies
- Topic 5- Settlement
- Topic 6- Weather
Skills developed:
Students will be able to:
- Use atlases, globes, maps at a range of scales, photographs, satellite images and other geographical data including GIS.
- Construct maps and plans and use graphical skills.
- Communicate their knowledge and understanding using geographical vocabulary
- Use fieldwork tools and techniques appropriately and safely.
- Ask geographical questions thinking creatively, constructively and critically.
- Collect, record and display fieldwork information.
- Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from a variety of figures.
Solve problems and make decisions on Geographical Issues
Books and Resources used:
- An atlas for use at home would be of considerable benefit to students.
- A variety of text books are used.
- Atlases are used regularly.
- A wide variety of worksheets designed specifically by members of the department to support the work done in class.
- Students are expected to provide their own pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, and coloured pencils (felt tips should not be used).
- A full bank of resources and links are available in your Google Classroom
Activities/Visits:
- Local fieldwork around Isleworth
- Visit to Kew Gardens
Assessment
- Students are given regular ‘learning snapshots’ to check their understanding
- At least one piece of homework a half term will be marked using ‘RAG’ as identified in the school marking policy
Types of Homework
- Answering questions / completing tasks on a worksheet.
- Independent research, collecting data.
- Looking at different peoples’ opinions, preparing for a discussion.
- An annotated drawing or piece of writing to show understanding of the topic.
Geography in Year 8
Geography at Key Stage 3 is studied through the theme of ‘Sustainability’. Building on work done in year 7, students look at what is meant by the term in more depth and how it links to all areas of Geography. In Year 8 topics will include:
- Topic 1 – Antarctica
- Topic 2– Development
- Topic 3 – Earthquakes and Volcanoes
- Topic 4 – The Almighty Dollar
- Topic 5 – Rivers
Skills Developed:
Students will be able to:
- Use atlases, globes, maps at a range of scales, photographs, satellite images and other geographical data including GIS.
- Construct maps and plans and use graphical skills.
- Communicate their deepening knowledge and understanding using geographical vocabulary
- Use fieldwork tools and techniques appropriately and safely.
- Ask geographical questions thinking creatively, constructively and critically.
- Collect, record and display information using different techniques.
- Analyse and evaluate and draw conclusions from a variety of figures.
- Solve problems and make decisions on Geographical Issues.
Books and Resources used:
- An atlas for use at home would be of considerable benefit to students.
- A wide variety of worksheets designed specifically by members of the Department to support the work done in class.
- ICT rooms / chromebooks to investigate the use of GIS
- Students are expected to provide their own pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, and coloured pencils (felt tips should not be used).
- A full bank of resources and links are available in your Google Classroom.
Activities/Visits:
- Fieldwork visit linked to rivers topic
Assessment
- Homework is set weekly and marked using the school marking policy.
At the end of each topic, students are given summative assessments which are marked by staff
- After assessments, detailed feedback is given to students in ‘DIRT’ lessons (directed improvement and reflection time) and they are given the opportunity to act on feedback
Types of Homework
- Answering questions / completing tasks on a worksheet.
- Independent research, collecting data.
- Looking at different peoples’ opinions, preparing for a discussion.
- An annotated drawing or piece of writing to show understanding of the topic.
Geography in Year 9
Geography at Key Stage 3 is studied through the theme of ‘Sustainability’. Building on work done in year 7 & 8, students look at what is meant by the term in more depth, how to measure it and how it links to all areas of Geography. In Year 9 topics will include:
- Topic 1 – One Planet Many People
- Topic 2 - Climate Change
- Topic 3 - The Geography of the UK
- Topic 4 - Africa is not a county
- Topic 5 – Global fashion
Skills Developed:
Students will be able to:
- Use atlases, globes, maps at a range of scales, photographs, satellite images and other geographical data including GIS.
- Construct maps and plans and use graphical skills.
- Explore different theories to explain development of countries (Frank and Rostow)
- Use models like the sustainability stool to measure the success of sustainability strategies
- Communicate their deepening knowledge and understanding using geographical vocabulary
- Use fieldwork tools and techniques appropriately and safely.
- Ask geographical questions thinking creatively, constructively and critically.
- Collect, record and display information in a variety of graphs.
- Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from a variety of figures.
- Solve problems and make decisions on Geographical Issues.
Books and Resources used:
- An atlas for use at home would be of considerable benefit to students.
- A variety of text books are used.
- A wide variety of worksheets designed specifically by members of the department to support the work done in class.
- ICT rooms/Chromebooks to create and analyse GIS maps.
- Students are expected to provide their own pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, and coloured pencils (felt tips should not be used).
- A full bank of resources and links are available in your Google Classroom
Activities/Visits:
- Coastal processes and management at Seaford
Assessment
- Students are given regular ‘learning snapshots’ to check their understanding
- At least one piece of homework a half term will be marked using ‘RAG’ as identified in the school marking policy
- At the end of each topic, students are given summative assessments which is marked by staff
- After assessments, detailed feedback is given to students in ‘DIRT’ lessons (directed improvement and reflection time) and they are given the opportunity to act on feedback
Types of Homework
- Answering questions /completing tasks on a worksheet.
- Independent research, collecting data.
- Looking at different peoples’ opinions, preparing for discussion.
- An annotated drawing or piece of writing to show understanding of the topic.
Geography in Years 10 and 11 (GCSE)
Award: GCSE in Geography (click here for the specification)
Exam Board: Edexcel
What will I learn on this course?
Geography GCSE enables students to explore the world, the issues it faces and their own place in it.
There are 3 main components to the course:
- Global Geographical Issues – Hazardous earth, Development Dynamics and Challenges of an Urbanising World
- UK Geographical Issues – UK Physical landscape, UK Human landscape and Geographical Investigations (fieldwork)
- People and Environment Issues, Making Geographical Decisions – People and the Biosphere, Forests under threat, Consuming Energy Resources
What is the importance of studying Geography at GCSE?
Geography GCSE will enable you to become very well-informed about current world issues. Also, Geography students are seen as highly employable – WHY? Geography teaches you knowledge but also gives you vital skills. The Guardian newspaper ran an article about why Geography students are least likely to be unemployed. They concluded that Geography gives students a mix of skills that employers want to see. For example, numeracy, teamwork, analytical skills, ICT and GIS skills as well as cultivating a world view and cultural sensitivity.
What about fieldwork?
Fieldwork is at the heart of GCSE Geography, helping students to develop geographical insight into new environments. You will complete two days of fieldwork – one physical and one human fieldwork investigation. These are assessed in Paper 2 UK Geographical Issues.
What extracurricular activities will be available?
We run a ‘club/catch up’ session every week if you feel you need any more support. There may be opportunities for you to take part in local quizzes and competitions. The fieldtrips are always a memorable day out!
How will I be assessed on the course?
|
Paper 1: Global Geographical Issues (37.5%) |
Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes. The exam consists of a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer and extended writing. |
|
Paper 2: UK Geographical Issues (37.5%) |
Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes. The exam consists of a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer and extended writing. |
|
Paper 3: People and Environment Issues, |
Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes. The exam consists of a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer and extended writing including an extended writing decision making question. |
You’ll enjoy this course if…
You like to appreciate how places and landscapes are formed, how people and environments interact, what consequences arise from our everyday decisions, and what a diverse range of cultures and societies exist and interconnect.
Achieving the Grade 8/9
We want everyone to achieve their best possible grade and to help you do this there will be opportunities for you to extend your knowledge through stretch and challenge tasks. We offer a magazine subscription for wider reading, and throughout the course we will guide you and give you feedback on ways to improve your work.
What careers could I consider?
There is a vast range of potential careers open to you. Geographers are highly employable and do a wide range of jobs.
- Interested in the environment? Consider urban planning for sustainable cities, or becoming a conservation officer.
- Interested in the Business World? Consider becoming a Location analyst or Retail management.
- Interested in Travel and Tourism? Consider TV researcher, Travel writing, Leisure Centre management
- Interested in Development and Global issues? Consider becoming an Aid worker, or a Diplomat
- Interested in Society? Consider Teaching or Social Work, or Market Research.
- Interested in Settlement and where we live? Consider Property Lawyer, Town planner
What further study options are available?
The GCSE course gives an excellent base for the further study of Geography at A level at Gumley. The Geography department has a strong record for students achieving or exceeding their target grades at A Level.
Additionally, Geography A Level combines well with almost any other subject
Geography at A Level
For more information on the content of Geography at Key Stage 5, please visit our Sixth Form Course Guide.
Where will Geography take me?
Because geographers deal with the natural world and how we behave in it, their jobs can take them everywhere. Geography is great for any kind of career that involves the environment, planning, or collecting and interpreting data. Popular careers for people with geography qualifications include: town or transport planning, surveying, conservation, sustainability, waste and water management, environmental planning, tourism, and weather forecasting.